VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said the road through the Mel Rieman Recreation Area on Lake Ashtabula northwest of Valley City will be closed indefinitely. A failing culvert has produced unsafe driving conditions. The road will remain closed until an assessment can be completed and conditions are deemed safe.

“We understand that this is an inconvenience and we are working hard to make the road safe as soon as possible,” said Rich Schueneman, section supervisor with the US Army Corps of Engineers. He said, “The safety of our visitors and the motorists in the area is our top priority.”

This is the road that runs through the campground and connects Barnes County 19 with Barnes County 17. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes. Anyone with questions should call the US Army Corps of Engineers office at 701-845-2970.